Production Planner
The Production Planner is responsible for developing, maintaining, and communicating an executable production schedule across Simplex's Engineer-to-Order (ETO) environment. This role balances customer demand, engineering readiness, material availability, labor capacity, and known constraints to protect flow, delivery commitments, and floor stability.
Own and maintain a companywide, integrated production schedule spanning Engineering, Fabrication, Welding, Paint, Assembly, Wiring, Testing, and Shipment across multiple business units.
Sequence work to support flow through constraints, with particular focus on wiring and downstream dependencies.
Manage work release to maintain appropriate WIP levels and prevent congestion on the production floor.
Adjust schedules dynamically based on engineering changes, material shortages, labor availability, and priority shifts.
Partner closely with Engineering to confirm job readiness prior to release.
Work with Purchasing and Materials to verify material availability and manage shortages or expedites.
Coordinate with Operations, Supervisors, and Team Leads to validate capacity and execution plans.
Communicate schedule changes, risks, and priorities clearly to leadership and the production floor.
Own schedule accuracy, data integrity, and version control.
Experience in production planning or scheduling within a manufacturing environment (ETO experience strongly preferred).
Strong understanding of capacity planning, constraints management, and production flow.
Proficiency with ERP systems (Epicor preferred) and Microsoft Excel; SharePoint experience a plus.
Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally.
Ability to remain calm, organized, and decisive in a high-variability environment.
Strong attention to detail and organizational ability
Ability to identify key requirements needed to build an executable production schedule
Proven problem-solving skills and ability to work under demanding deadlines
Demonstrated ability to clearly communicate in written and verbal formats